Xtracars®® Blog
Car Tips and Tricks
Active and Passive Safety: What You Should Know Before Choosing a Car
When choosing a car to subscribe to, it's normal to think about comfort, fuel consumption, or even design. However, there's one essential factor that often goes unnoticed: safety. And in this field, it’s important to understand the difference between two key concepts: active safety and passive safety.
Both are important, but they come into play at different moments. And the more you know about them, the better decisions you can make to protect yourself and others. Ready to learn more with Xtracars? Let’s get started.
Active Safety – Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Active safety is always "on” while you're driving. It refers to the set of systems designed to help prevent accidents. These systems don’t replace driver awareness, but they’re valuable allies in helping maintain control of the vehicle.
Here are a few examples that are already present in many cars:
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Prevents the wheels from locking during emergency braking.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESP): Helps keep the car on course, particularly on bends or slippery roads.
- Emergency Brake Assist: Detects if you're braking too gently in a dangerous situation and applies the necessary force.
- Collision Warning and Autonomous Braking System: Warns you if you're about to collide with the vehicle ahead – and can brake automatically if necessary.
- Blind Spot Sensors: Alert you when there's a vehicle outside your field of vision.
These systems don’t take the place of the driver’s attention, but they do work as reliable partners to help keep everything under control.
Passive Safety – Minimising the Damage
Even with all the best preventative measures, accidents can still happen. That’s where passive safety comes in – systems that reduce injuries when an impact is unavoidable.
You’ve probably heard of some of these systems, but here’s a brief overview:
- Airbags: Deploy in fractions of a second to protect the head, chest, and other parts of the body.
- Seatbelts with Pre-tensioners: Hold the body firmly against the seat at the moment of impact.
- Reinforced Cabin Structure: Designed to absorb and distribute the force of a collision.
- Active Headrests: Minimise whiplash in rear-end collisions.
These systems won’t prevent an accident, but they can significantly reduce the consequences for the driver and passengers.
Car Subscription – A Smart Way to Access Safety
At Xtracars, you’ll find a range of vehicles equipped with both active and passive safety technologies. Whether it’s an economical car with excellent driver assistance features or a robust SUV with reinforced protection, all models are selected to offer you safer journeys.
One of the biggest advantages of car subscription is the ability to choose newer models with cutting-edge technology – all without the long-term financial commitment. At Xtracars, you can subscribe to a car for 1 to 12 months, with everything included: insurance, maintenance, road tax, and even car swaps whenever you want. If safety is your priority, this is a great way to drive a well-equipped vehicle without the hassle.
Set Off Safely with Xtracars
Whether you're planning a long journey or just want to feel more secure in your daily routine, don’t overlook safety. Make sure the car you subscribe to with Xtracars includes strong driver assistance systems and protection in case of an accident. For even greater peace of mind, add the TOP Roadside Assistance package, which includes free towing, on-site help, and more. And for total protection, opt for Super Cover which removes any excess liability. Now you're ready to hit the road – safely.